podcast episode 3

In this episode of Teacher Talk, the host interviews two educators, Dr. Droller and Dr. Bellis. They discuss challenges teachers face when integrating arts and technology in the classroom. Dr. Droller mentions that technology was always part of the science curriculum in her school. Dr. Bellis highlights how standardized testing limits creative freedom for teachers. Both educators emphasize the importance of helping students understand that technology is a resource, not a means to cheat. Dr. Droller believes that maintaining passion and knowledge can positively impact students' lives. The host encourages listeners to comment on the challenges they face in integrating art and technology. Welcome to Teacher Talk, where we talk about integrating the arts and technology. On this episode, things are going to be a little different than the previous ones. I went ahead and conducted some interviews with two educators. The first is Dr. Droller. She has her doctorate in educational leadership. She taught for 12 years in a middle school science classroom. She spent two years as an assistant principal at a middle school and is currently the head principal at a high school. The second educator that I interviewed was Dr. Bellis. She has her bachelor's degree in special education, her master's degree in elementary ed, a certificate in ESL, and her doctorate is in curriculum and instruction. She has been in education for a total of 33 years. I asked both educators a list of questions, and that's what I'll be sharing with you today. The questions talked about overcoming challenges, addressing challenges teachers face, and providing solutions. The first set of questions that I asked them was if they ever integrated art and technology into the classroom. I also asked them, what are some challenges you're seeing teachers face today with integrating arts and technology in the classroom? What do you believe to be the biggest problem? And then I specifically asked Dr. Jeweler, as an administrator and former classroom teacher, are there any tools you give your teachers to set them up or fix up? Both teachers answered with great elegance. Dr. Jeweler mentioned that she never integrated art into her classroom as a graded item. Technology was always a part of the science curriculum due to the fact they were a one-to-one school. Dr. Bellis touched on how integrating arts into the classroom became very difficult when schools started to move towards standardized testing. She said that teachers lost their creative freedom because the curriculum became scripted, which poses a challenge for her and many teachers, and I'm sure many of you teachers out there can attest to the lack of freedom and creativity with your lessons. Dr. Jeweler hit on a very good point about technology. She said, and I quote, the biggest problem is helping students understand that technology is a resource to support and should not be used as a means to cheat. At this point, we are utterly exhausted trying to find a way to limit student access to technology that can do work for them, end quote. Going back to how I asked Dr. Jeweler specifically if there was any tool she could give her teachers to set them up for success. She answered with, and I quote, teachers come with passion and knowledge. Helping them maintain those two items can change the trajectory not only of their lives, but the lives of every student they come in contact with. Students who know you care and have passion for what you do will have a desire to please you. Your caring transfers to their caring. I would like if you guys would comment on this podcast, any challenges you're facing in the classroom integrating art and technology, and we can talk about it. I hope you all have a great rest of your day. Enjoy teacher talk.